In the shadow of power and privilege, students in the Washington Urban Debate League push themselves to become top-tier debaters, determined to change the course of their lives.

Immutable is a feature documentary that follows a group of students from the Washington Urban Debate League as they fight to find their voices in a world that too often tries to silence them. Against the backdrop of a city marked by inequality—and in the lingering shadow of the COVID pandemic—these young debaters confront daily challenges that range from housing instability to neurodivergence. For some, debate is a path to college. For others, it’s a lifeline.

We meet them at summer camp, where their journey begins—not just to win tournaments, but to sharpen arguments that reflect their own lives. One girl, autistic and fearless, demands the world see people with special needs as whole. Others argue for economic policy reforms while navigating poverty themselves. As multiple seasons unfold, Immutable captures the grit, intellect, and heart of students who are determined to not only become top-tier debaters but to change the course of their lives.

BUZZ

"Immutable" is a powerful and deeply inspiring film… A compelling story that stays with you
long after the credits roll.”
-— Emily Lenzner, 4EYE Film Center

facts about urban debate

washington urban debate league

WUDL serves over 800 kids from 70+ public schools in the Washington, DC area, ranging from rising sixth graders through high school. 80% are Title 1 schools. Kids are on teams at their schools and compete in monthly local tournaments as well as regional travel tournaments. WUDL debaters have won two National Debater of the Year honors, 8 have been finalists for the award and WUDL debaters have won 6 consecutive Middle School National Championships.

college admissions

WUDL has more than 5,000 alumni. They have attended 80+ colleges in 28 states and 3 countries. Currently, students attend Harvard, Yale, Emory, MIT, Howard, Rochester, the US Naval Academy, the University of Maryland and more. Many have full scholarships.

graduation rates

100% of WUDL debaters graduate on time, compared to 60%-70% of their peers in DC area public schools.

high school attendance

Urban debaters have higher attendance rates, are more college ready, score significantly better on the ACT and SAT, are more likely to attend highly selective colleges and are much more likely to vote and be politically active.

high school achievement

Doing debate for one year is equal to 1.68 years of English instruction with gains focused on analytical and critical thinking skills—with gains largest among students struggling the most prior to joining debate.

Urban debaters improve grades every semester and have higher GPAs than comparable non-debaters

debate camp

In 2015 the Matthew Harris Ornstein Summer Debate Institute opened its doors to 30 campers. Today, more than 300 students will attend the entirely free three-week program that introduces fundamentals of debate and immersion in the year’s topic, Staffed by coaches from around the country — many alumni of the program — the camp also features prominent guest speakers and field trips.